We don’t pay much attention to the maintenance and safety of our water heaters. After all, what could this harmless equipment in our storage room or garage possibly do?

It’s true that water heaters are usually safe to handle. However, poor maintenance and installation can sometimes cause issues that aren’t only a health risk, but can also result in residential fires in some cases.

There’s no harm in going the extra mile to ensure the safety of your loved ones, which is why we’ve compiled a list of common risks associated with water heaters and how you can avoid them.

v Carbon Monoxide Leakage

Similar to automobiles, gas-powered heaters release carbon monoxide into the atmosphere. The amount of CO released by heaters is significantly low and doesn’t impose any health hazards, especially if your heater vents are in working condition.

However, a malfunctioning vent causes your heater to emit higher concentrations of carbon monoxide into the atmosphere, which can turn into a serious health concern for your family. The fact that the presence of CO is often difficult to detect makes its leakage an even bigger concern. Prolonged exposure to carbon monoxide can cause vomiting, nausea, headaches, dizziness, and poisoning in worse cases. It’s recommended to install carbon monoxide detectors with your heaters to ensure the safety of your loved ones.

v Bacterial Contamination

If not properly cleaned and maintained, your water heaters can turn into breeding grounds for bacteria. Water heaters with tanks require regular maintenance as the humid and warm environment serves as an ideal place for bacteria to grow and reproduce. This contaminated water, when comes in contact with your skin, can cause severe skin infections. It’s recommended to maintain the tank temperature between 125 to 140℉ to inhibit bacterial growth.

v Flashback Fire

Your water heater alone isn’t a fire hazard. The real problem arises when it’s placed near flammable materials like gasoline, paint, dust, paper, and clothes. These materials, when exposed to your heater’s combustion chamber, can easily trigger fires. The CPSC reports an annual average of 800 residential fires due to water heaters, resulting in 130 injuries and 5 deaths.

It’s always better to be safe than sorry. Always buy heaters with the FVIR system that prevents the emission of vapors from the chamber.

While proper maintenance of your water heater is an essential measure to ensure your safety, choosing a reliable heater model is even more critical. The quality of your water heater plays a significant role in its performance, a reason why you should put sufficient thought into choosing your residential water heater.

If you’re looking for a supplier of the best, most durable water heaters in Miami, get in touch with Miami Water Heater!